Dogs go to heaven.

[jimlongley]

She was a liar, she would bark at a phantom outside to clear the other dogs off the couch so she could lie down.

She was a thief, the other dogs didn't dare leave a rawhide or a treat within her reach, she would take it.

She was a faithful friend, a mighty hunter (in her mind), my boon companion on rambles through the nearby woods.

And has left a gaping hole in my life and my heart, and the world is a poorer place today.

But heaven is brighter for her presence and God will surely enjoy her antics and raised eyebrows when she wanted to make a comment.

At just about quarter past three this afternoon, my vet recommended and I reluctantly agreed, that we relieve old Fudge's misery. She could hardly stand, she had refused her last three meals, couldn't poop, had belly pain, and was developing paralysis of the larynx from her constant panting from the pain.

I know it was the best thing to do, she was in such pain, and nothing could be done to manage it, but it hurts me too, even if I know it would have been cruel to keep her in misery just so I could have her one more day.

But I sure am going to miss that old puppy.

[BigGuy]

Sorry for your loss. It sounds as though you made her life a happy, rich, and full one.

[MoJo]

Jim I have lost many a good dog, some still bring tears to my eyes when I think about them. The hurt never heals it just gets less with time. Soon as you feel you are ready for a new best friend go to the local rescue or shelter and give a lonely dog a chance at a happy life. Other than my wife , kids and family my dogs are special they give unconditional love and ask for nothing in return. If man could only be that noble. It's no mistake that DOG spelled backward = GOD.

[74novaman]

Sorry to hear about your friend.

[South Texas RGV]

Many condolences -- we're lucky to share our lives with them while they're here, and it's never long enough. She obviously had a loving home.

[jocat54]

Sorry to hear that. It's very tough to do.

[Songbird]

So sorry for your loss. She'll be waiting for you at the Rainbow Bridge. RIP Fudge.

[hpcatx]

Very sorry to hear about your loss.

[Excaliber]

Jim,

I'm very sorry to hear about the loss of your faithful companion.

I've been through that several times and know the heartbreak it brings all too well.

They are true family, and are never replaced, even though we eventually bring home another dog to love in a different way.

They are loved forever, even in death, and never forgotten.

[AustinBoy]

Sorry for your loss.

As Songbird said, She will be waiting at the Rainbow Bridge.

AB

[AEA]

Sorry to hear this. And I know the pain your are going through right now. You did the right thing. Rest assured you will see her again in the hereafter.

[The Annoyed Man]

Oh man Jim, I so sorry for your loss. And I had literally just now finished watching a splendid dog movie called "Red Dog," which I highly recommend, with my own Trapper fast asleep on the couch next to me with his head in my lap, just before I saw your post.

I don't know what the Bible says about our dogs, but I know that God knows that we love them; and I think that He gives them to us because they help to make us better persons. It is my hope and prayer that our Loving Father sees the well-loved dog as worthy of being included in our eternal reward. I really do.

[urnoodle]

I am very sorry for your loss. We think we are prepared for that day but we never are. You will be running through those woods with her again. Until then she will be looking out for you and your family. Rest in peace Fudge.

[jimlongley]

I keep this on my desk - for lost but not forgotten family. They are our family, our friends, parts of our life.

A man and his dog were walking along a road. The man was enjoying the scenery, when it suddenly occurred to him that he was dead. He remembered dying, and that the dog had been dead for years. He wondered where the road was leading them. After a while, they came to a high, white stone wall along one side of the road. It looked like fine marble. At the top of a long hill, it was broken by a tall arch that glowed in the sunlight. When he was standing before it, he saw a magnificent gate in the arch that looked like mother of pearl, and the street that led to the gate looked like pure gold. He and the dog walked toward the gate, and as he got closer, he saw a man at a desk to one side. When he was close enough, he called out, "Excuse me, where are we?"

"This is heaven, sir," the man answered.

"Wow! Would you happen to have some water?" the man asked.

"Of course, sir. Come right in, and I'll have some ice water brought right up." The man gestured, and the gate began to open.

"Can my friend," gesturing toward his dog, "come in, too?" the traveler asked.

"I'm sorry, sir, but we don't accept pets."

The man thought a moment and then turned back toward the road and continued the way he had been going. After another long walk, and at the top of another long hill, he came to a dirt road which led through a farm gate that looked as if it had never been closed. There was no fence. As he approached the gate, he saw a man inside, leaning against a tree, reading a book.

"Excuse me!" he called to the reader. "Do you have any water?"

"Yeah, sure, there's a pump over there". The man pointed to a place thatcouldn't be seen from outside the gate. "Come on in."

"How about my friend here?" the traveler gestured to the dog.

"There should be a bowl by the pump."

They went through the gate, and sure enough, there was an old fashioned hand pump with a bowl beside it. The traveler filled the bowl and took a long drink himself, then he gave some to the dog. When they were full, he and the dog walked back toward the man who was standing by the tree waiting for them.

"What do you call this place?" the traveler asked.

"This is heaven," was the answer.

"Well, that's confusing," the traveler said. "The man down the road said that was heaven, too."

"Oh, you mean the place with the gold streets and pearly gates? Nope! That's heck."

"Doesn't it make you mad for them to use your name like that?"

"No. I can see how you might think so, but we're just happy that they screen out the folks who'll leave their best friends behind".

Author Unknown

---- and this one.

"Gentlemen of the Jury: The best friend a man has in this world may turn against him and become his enemy. His son or daughter that he has reared with loving care may prove ungrateful. Those who are nearest and dearest to us, those whom we trust with our happiness and our good name, may become traitors to their faith. The money that a man has, he may lose. It flies away from him, perhaps when
he needs it the most. A man's reputation may be sacrificed in a moment of ill-considered action. The people who are prone to fall on their knees to do us honor when success is with us may be the first to throw the stone of malice when failure settles its cloud upon our heads. The one absolutely unselfish friend that a man may have in this selfish world, the one that never deserts him and the one that never proves ungrateful or treacherous is his dog.

"Gentlemen of the Jury,a man's dog stands by him in prosperity and in poverty, in health and in sickness. He will sleep on the cold ground, where the wintry winds blow and the snow drives fiercely if only he may be near his master's side. He will kiss the hand that has no food to offer, he will lick the wounds and sores that come in encounters with the roughness of the world. He guards the sleep of his pauper master as if he were a prince. When all other friends desert, he remains. When riches take wings and reputation falls to pieces, he is as constant in his love as the sun in its journey through the heavens. If fortune drives the master forth an outcast in the world, friendless and homeless, the faithful dog asks no higher privilege than that of accompanying him to guard against danger, to fight against his enemies, and when the last scene of all comes, and death takes the master in its embrace and his body is laid away in the cold ground, no matter if all other friends pursue their way, there by his graveside will the noble dog be found, his head between his paws, his eyes sad but open in alert watchfulness, faithful and true even to death."
Sen. George Vest, 1870

Thank you, stealing those.